1997 Mercury Mercury Cougar heating

21
*
[IS14800( ALL)01/96]
With ignition switch OFF, the fuel gauge
indicator may drift from the ignition switch ON
position.
%*
[IS15700( ALL)03/96]
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
*
[IS15800( ALL)02/96]
This gauge indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the
coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the
gauge indication will not be accurate.
[IS15905( BCGV)04/96]
The pointer moves from the C (cold) mark into
the normal band as your engine coolant warms
up. Under normal driving conditions, the pointer
should stay in the normal band. It is acceptable
for the pointer to fluctuate within the noprmal
band under normal driving conditions, and
under certain driving conditions such as, heavy
stop and go traffic, or driving up hills in hot
weather, for the pointer to indicate at the top of
the normal band.
[IS16005( BCGV)04/96]
If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves
above the normal band, the engine is
overheating and continued operation may cause
engine damage.
% [IS16200( BC )04/96]
one third page art:0011144-D
The engine coolant temperature gauge
File:03rcisc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

59
Controls and Features
%*
[CF00200( ALL)01/96]
The main controls for the climate control system,
clock, and radio are on the instrument panel.
%*
[CF00300( ALL)03/96]
NOTE: Any cleaner or polish that increases the
gloss (shine) of the upper part of the
instrument panel should be avoided.
The dull finish in this area is to help
protect the driver from undesirable
windshield reflection.
*
[CF00400( ALL)05/96]
Your vehicle has a variety of features designed
for your comfort, convenience and safety. Read
this chapter to find out about standard and
optional features.
%
*
[CF00500( ALL)03/96]
The Climate Control Systems
[CF00600( ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle has one of two different climate
control systems. The two systems are:
[CF00900( BCGV)12/95]
q
a manual heating and air conditioning system
[CF01000( BC )12/95]
q
a semi-automatic temperature control
system (if equipped)
*
[CF01200( ALL)12/95]
If you are not sure which system your vehicle
has, see the diagrams on the following pages.
% [CF03500( BCGV)12/95]
The Manual Heating and Air Conditioning
System
[CF03600( BCGV)05/96]
You can heat the inside of your vehicle, defrost
the windshield, and turn on the air conditioning
with the three controls in the center of the
instrument panel:
[CF03700( BCGV)12/95]
q
FAN
[CF03800( BCGV)12/95]
q
TEMP
[CF03900( BCGV)12/95]
q
SELECT
File:05rccfc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:58:04 1996

60 [CF04100( BC )05/96]
one third page art:0011216-CThe controls for the manual heating and air conditioning
system
[CF04300( BC )04/96]
To heat the interior of your vehicle, turn the
SELECT control to FLOOR, turn the TEMP
control to the end of the red range (full right)
and turn the FAN control to HI. Temperature
and fan speed can be adjusted as desired.
% [CF04500( BC )04/96]
To defrost the windshield and side windows,
turn the SELECT control to defrostV, turn the
TEMP control to the end of the red range (full
right) and turn the FAN control to HI.
Temperature and fan speed can be adjusted as
desired.
[CF04700( BC )04/96]
To heat the interior and defrost the windshield
and side windows, at the same time, turn the
SELECT control to FLOOR & DEF, turn the
TEMP control to the end of the red range (full
right) and turn the FAN control to HI.
[CF04900( BC )04/96]
To direct either heated or cooled air to the panel
registers and the floor at the same time, turn the
SELECT control to PANEL & FLOOR, turn the
TEMP control for the temperature desired and
set the fan speed as desired.
File:05rccfc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:58:04 1996

64 [CF07300( BC )05/96]If the control is pressed after65ÊF (18ÊC) is
reached, only60ÊF (16ÊC)will be displayed and
the system will provide continuous maximum
cooling.
[CF07400( BC )05/96]
Warm control
[CF07500( BC )05/96]
This control is used to RAISE the temperature
setting. Press the control once to raise the
displayed temperature one degree. Holding the
control in will continuously increase the
temperature setting in one degree increments
until you either release it or85ÊF (29ÊC) is
reached.
[CF07600( BC )05/96]
If the control is pressed after85ÊF (29ÊC) is
reached, only90ÊF (32ÊC)will be displayed and
the system will provide continuous maximum
heating.
[CF07700( BC )12/95]
System Operation
[CF07800( BC )05/96]
To heat the inside of your vehicle, turn the
SELECT control to FLOOR and turn the FAN
control to AUTO. The fan will remain off until
the engine reaches operating temperature or
until 3-1/2 minutes have elapsed. As the interior
of your vehicle warms up, the discharge air
temperature and the fan speed will be
automatically and gradually changed to maintain
the set temperature. If you prefer a fixed fan
speed, turn the fan speed control to the desired
setting.
% [CF07900( BC )05/96]
To defrost the windshield and side windows,
turn the SELECT control to DefrostV, turn the
FAN control to HI and set the temperature as
necessary to clear the windshield.
[CF08000( BC )05/96]
To direct either cooled or heated air to the panel
registers and the floor at the same time, turn the
SELECT control to PANEL & FLOOR, push the
COOL or WARM control for the desired
temperature and set the FAN speed as desired.
File:05rccfc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:58:04 1996

66
%*
[CF14400(MBC )03/96]
Rear Window Defroster
(If equipped)
*
[CF14600( ALL)03/96]
The defroster for the rear window clears frost,
fog, or thin ice from both the inside and outside
of the rear window.
[CF14900( BC )05/96]
The control for the rear window defroster is
located on the lower right side of the instrument
panel, just left of the climate control panel.
[CF15000( BC )05/96]
one third page art:0010190-B
The control for the rear window defroster
[CF15300( ALL)12/95]
Clear away any snow that is on the rear
window before using the defroster. With the
engine running, push the defrost button.
[CF15400( ALL)12/95]
After approximately 10 minutes, the defroster
will turn off. If the window is still not clear,
turn the defroster on again.
[CF15500( ALL)12/95]
The defroster will turn off when the ignition key
is turned to the OFF position.
*
[CF15600( ALL)12/95]
The heating elements are bonded to the inside of
the rear window. Do not use sharp objects to
scrape the inside of the rear window or use
abrasive cleaners to clean it. Doing so could
damage the heating elements.
File:05rccfc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:58:04 1996

150
*
[TO05100( ALL)01/96]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:
*
[TO05200( ALL)01/96]
q
your vehicle is raised for service
*
[TO05300( ALL)01/96]
q
the sound of the exhaust system changes
*
[TO05400( ALL)01/96]
q
your vehicle has been damaged in a collision
*
[TO05500( ALL)01/96]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet
vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.
[TO05600( ALL)12/95]
If the engine is idling while you are stopped in
an open area for long periods of time, open the
windows at least one inch (2.5 cm). Also, the
heating or air conditioning system should be set
to any function except MAX A/C or AUTO.
[TO05800( BCGV)12/95]
q
If you use the heater, set the fan speed on
MEDIUM or HIGH with the function control
on any position except OFF and the
temperature control at any desired position.
[TO06000( BCGV)12/95]
q
If you use the air conditioner, set the fan
speed on MEDIUM or HIGH with the
function control on any position except OFF
or MAX and the temperature control at any
desired position.
*
[TO06100( ALL)01/96]
Pushing
[TO06300( BCGV)01/96]
Vehicles with automatic transmissions cannot be
started by pushing. Follow the directions under
If Your Vehicle Needs a Jump-Start.
File:08rctoc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:28:08 1996

156 [GF04800( BCGV)12/95]During the Traction Assist
TM
function, which
most often occurs during low speed acceleration
on slippery surfaces, a noise may be heard
coming from the engine compartment. This noise
is created by the ABS pump and is normal and
may last for a few seconds during the
acceleration of the vehicle.
[GF04900( BCGV)05/96]
In general, this system improves your vehicle's
stability and acceleration performance when road
conditions warrant. Traction Assist
TM
is fully
effective up to approximately 25 mph
(40 km/h). At 25 mph (40 km/h) the function
begins to taper off until it no longer operates
above 34 mph (55 km/h).
[GF05000( BCGV)12/95]
If the Traction Assist
TM
system is cycled
excessively, the system will shut down to
prevent the rear brakes from overheating.
During this shutdown period, the word OFF in
the traction assist switch will be illuminated
showing that the traction assist system is
inoperative. A cooling down period is required
to prevent damage to the rear brakes. This time
period varies and depends on brake usage
during the cooling down period. Anti-Lock
braking is not affected and will function
normally during the cool down period.
%
*
[GF05200( ALL)01/96]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[GF05300( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[GF05400( ALL)03/96]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
File:09rcgfc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:26:27 1996

213 %
*
[MC11600( ALL)02/96]
Use specially formulated windshield washer
fluid rather than plain water, because specially
formulated washer fluids contain additives that
dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such
as methanol should be used in freezing weather
(temperatures below32ÊF [0ÊC]).State or local
regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs) may restrict use of the most common
antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing
non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection
without damaging the vehicle's paint finish,
wiper blades, and windshield washer system.
%
*
[MC11700( ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant
%*
[MC11800( ALL)01/96]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[MC11900( ALL)05/96]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[MC12100( BCGV)05/96]
RWARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may
come on at any time. Always disconnect
the negative terminal of the battery before
working near the fan.
%*
[MC12200( ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle's coolant protects your engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in
the winter. Check the level of the coolant at least
once a month. Simply look at the engine coolant
reservoir located in the engine compartment. To
locate the reservoir, see the diagram of your
vehicle's engine underEngine Type, in this
chapter.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996